The Joint Combat Aircraft is a joint strike asset which will provide the UK with a survivable, sustainable, expeditionary air capability that can contribute to the widest possible range of operations. The recent Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) confirmed the need for JSF, noting that it will be one of the most capable fast jets in the world. It will be operated jointly by both Royal Navy and RAF pilots.
The ability to identify and attack high-value, time sensitive targets will depend upon the JSF’s combination of advanced sensors and low observability.
As a key future capability with both the Carrier Strike and Combat Air programmes, JCA will not be introduced in isolation. Interoperability with coalition partners will be critical in future operations, but the UK will also maintain its ability to operate at a time and place of its choosing.
Joint Combat Aircraft is a transformational military capability, using transformational collaborative and incremental acquisition techniques. The aircraft are being produced in the US with the UK being the first international partner to order variants of the JSF. The UK is participating alongside the US in initial operational test and evaluation, which will be critical to achieving an acceptable UK introduction into service.
Building Carrier Variant based JCA programme, including completion of studies required to define Weapon and Ship integration challenges and scope challenges with CV.
Certification of UK STOVL aircraft to allow UK to fly aircraft in 2012
Contributing to wider Combat Air developments, including Safety and Airworthiness policy.
Page updated 8 August 2011